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Key events
Karen and Carlos’ Aaargh-gentine Tango
Former Lioness Karen Carney started the series strongly but has dipped and seemed to lose confidence. Solihull-born Kaz – who also played for Birmingham City – will relish this chance to channel Peaky Blinders, one of her favourite TV shows. As a former footballer, she should have the strong legs and fast feet for it too. She and partner Carlos Gu are both in flat caps, getting into character as Brummie bootleggers. A semi-fight scene to start, then into a powerful, expressive and passionate routine. Close body contact. Cool gender-neutral choreography and she seems to be leading at times. Their first lifts. Stylised and speedy, lacking a little sizzle perhaps but so good. Blinding.
Song: Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The Southern gothic blues song’s title comes from John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where it’s used to describe the vengeful hand of God. The song isn’t just the theme tune to gangster hit Peaky Blinders but featured prominently in the Scream horror film franchise, so is suitably Halloween-ish.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 6, 7 for a total of 26 points. Bottom with three dances to go. Dance-off danger? Gladiator ready?
Judges’ comments: Anton says “marvellous topline, lovely lyrical timing but a mistake in the middle of the room”. Craig says “it lost elegance and artistry in the arms, needed a softer approach but you bring heart and soul to the table”. Motsi says “held composure and bounced back strongly from the mistake”. Shirley concludes “balance routine, need spatial awareness and longer stride but seamless highlights”. Sevens for Harry too?
Harry and Karen’s astronomical American smooth
After intense dances for the past two weeks, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – aka Nitro from Gladiators – is enjoying something more smiley. Ice cream parlour opening, then they’re floating in space, defying gravity with graceful elegance. Foxtrot style, switching in and out of hold, lots of side-by-side action. So many lifts that pro partner Karen Hauer barely touches floor in parts. Some gapping, heavy-footed and lumpy moments but reining in his usual power to achieve that smooth lightness. A jumping heel click to close.
Song: Mystical Magical by Benson Boone. Sampling Physical by Olivia Newton-John, the shimmeringly ethereal pop hit was known as “the moonbeam ice cream song” before it was properly titled.
Judges’ scores: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. Second from bottom as it stands. Dance-off danger, I fear.
Judges’ comments: Shirley says “delivered the sensuality beautifully, I wanted clearer weight transference but great footwork details, good job”. Anton says “a tale of two halves, upper body exquisite but hesitant down below”. Craig says “a little unstable and lost flow but full of character and expression”. Motsi concludes “you’re one op those most expressive dancers we have, great connection and emotion in the body, keep going”. Sevens and a bonus eight, are we saying?
Balvinder and Julian’s irresistible rumba
Happy Bal-oween! EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal dodged last week’s dance-off and was hugely relieved not to make it hat-trick. Can she get her confidence back, banish the nerves and enjoy dancing again? Slow start with dry ice hiding the footwork but a suitably intense connection with pro partner Julian Caillon. She’s found this the toughest dance yet to master but decent body action. Strong legs and feet. Fluidity, rhythmic and sensual. Lacking that continuous, oozing motion perhaps but plenty of passion. A romantic rumba with a dark twist.
Song: Stay by Shakespears Sister. This baroque pop ballad topped the UK charts for eight weeks in 1992 and was inspired by 50s sci-fi B-movie Cat-Women of the Moon. Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Škorjanec performed a rumba to it in 2013 series and went on to lift the glitterball trophy.
Just me or has Tess Daly visibly relaxed since the announcement? We like the new loosey-goosey, more spontaneous Tess.
Judges’ scores: 10 (early for Craig!), 10, 10, 10 for a perfect 40 points. Top of the pops and highest score of the series so far, obviously. Scenes. Limbs.
Judges’ comments: Craig applauds says “I liked that, spec-tac-ular”. Motsi says “a real moment, out of this world”. Shirley says “phenomenal work, well done you”. Anton concludes “best dance of the series by miles, as good as anything ever on Strictly, a-may-zing”. A nine and three 10s, do we think?
Lewis and Katya’s creepy Couple’s Choice
Actor Lewis Cope and pro partner Katya Jones haven’t scored lower than an 8 since way back in week two and are the highest scoring couple in the contest. This Couple’s Choice should showcase exactly how good Lewis is. An ambitious mash-up of styles, with elements of Charleston, jazz, tap and American smooth. Bob Fosse flourishes and floor work. Fun, quirky choreography by the ever-creative Katya. Leaps and comedy, a proper showdance. Partner work and plenty of precision in the side-by-side sections. Full of tricks and treats. Wow, a proper showstopper. Bravo.
Song: Creep by Radiohead. A jazzy, brassy big band version of the 1992 grunge classic which remains Thom Yorke and co’s most successful single. It’s been covered by the likes of Alanis Morissette, Prince and Olivia Rodrigo.
Judges’ scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 35 points. By far her best and top of the standings at this stage. Some improvement from that “2” a fortnight ago.
Judges’ comments: Rousing reception in the ballroom. La Voix says she felt the magic of dancing there. Anton says “drama, atmosphere, thrilling, neat and tidy, Len would’ve loved it”. Craig says “needed more arch and oval shape but power, passion, authority, you owned it, your best”. Motsi says “so regal and proud, well controlled, I saw the music in the dance”. Shirley concludes “beautiful neckline and skirt, quality of movement, brilliant”. Eights incoming? Even a nine?
La Voix and Aljaž’s petrifying paso doble
Drag queen La Voix and partner Aljaž Škorjanec bounced back well last week, doubling the score from their cha-cha dis-ah-ster. Now she’s getting dark, strong and serious – even though she joked this week that she thought Paso Doble was a fishing village near Benidorm. She’s playing the Queen of Hearts in a red-and-black lace frock with corset and bustle. CGI suits of armour. Twists-turns, Spanish shapes and flamenco flourishes. Strong storytelling but footwork not quite there. Too stompy and lacking some curve but full of drama and magnificently moody.
Song: Beethoven’s 5th. Let’s hope she’s not fifth to be eliminated.
Judges’ scores: 6, 7, 8, 8 for a total of 29 points. Dance-off danger? Surely not.
Judges’ comments: Craig says “too turned in and clunky but loved the hip action and the pot-stirrer”. Motsi says “no mistakes for the first time in three weeks, pick up your centre for more driving force”. Shirley says “you don’t realise just how good you are, stop smiling so much and be more competitive, great connections, did very well”. Anton concludes “believe in yourself, give us more and go to the next level”. Sevens and the odd eight, do we reckon?
